Amanda Hendry: From Field Hockey to Pickleball
During the interview, Simone Jardim posed a simple yet profound question to Amanda Hendry: “How has pickleball changed your life?
Hendry, who played field hockey throughout her college years, found herself at a crossroads upon graduation. She shared, “I played field hockey all throught college and coming out of college, I didn’t think that I would be playing field hockey anymore. I didn’t know what I would be doing. I thought it would be something in finance.” The uncertainty of life after collegiate sports is a familiar narrative, but for Hendry, the discovery of pickleball provided a new path forward.
Currently, Hendry plays for the California Black Bears in Major League Pickleball (MLP) and boasts a DUPR rating of 5.58, showing her exceptional skill and dedication to the sport. Pickleball allowed Hendry to stay active and continue indulging her competitive spirit. “It’s allowed me to kind of stay active, stay being competitive, which has been amazing for me because I’m a very competitive person,” she said. This aspect of the sport, combining physical activity with competition, was a perfect fit for her.
Building Connections Through Sport
Beyond the physical benefits, pickleball has a unique way of fostering connections and building communities. Hendry highlighted how the sport has enriched her social life, stating, “Just meeting people. I’ve met my boyfriend Jack through the sport and that’s completely changed my life. I’ve met Simone who’s completely changed my life and just a lot of my closest friends and my whole family play.”
The sense of community that pickleball provides has been a significant factor in Hendry’s life. The sport not only introduced her to her boyfriend and some of her closest friends but also became a family bonding activity. “It’s something we get to all do together, which has been really great as a bonding experience,” Hendry added.
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Simone Jardim: A Grateful Perspective
Simone Jardim, a prominent figure in the pickleball world, echoed similar sentiments about the sport’s impact. Reflecting on her experiences, she expressed gratitude for the connections pickleball has brought into her life. “I have to say that it’s been great for me as well throughout the years because I got to meet you guys,” Jardim remarked.
Jardim shared a personal anecdote about how the sport has affected her family, particularly her children. “My kids have been in their rooms pretty much the entire time and then all of a sudden they get out because of these kids because we’re not cool,” she said with a laugh. The camaraderie and friendships formed through pickleball have brought her family closer together.
In a heartfelt conclusion, Jardim conveyed her appreciation for the community and the positive changes it has brought into her life. “So I am very grateful that you guys have come in for our life because of pickleball and it makes our family happier. So thank you guys,” she said.
The stories shared by Amanda Hendry and Simone Jardim are emblematic of the broader impact pickleball has on its players. It’s a sport that not only keeps people active and competitive but also builds lasting relationships and brings families together. As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, these personal narratives highlight the transformative power of the sport, both on and off the court.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Influence on Amanda Hendry
Amanda Hendry’s journey from field hockey to pickleball has profoundly impacted her life, as shared in a recent interview with Simone Jardim. After college, Hendry discovered pickleball, which allowed her to stay active and competitive. Now playing for the California Black Bears in Major League Pickleball, Hendry has a DUPR rating of 5.58. The sport has also enriched her social life, introducing her to her boyfriend, Jack, and fostering close friendships. Jardim echoed these sentiments, highlighting how pickleball brought her family closer and introduced her to wonderful people. Both Hendry and Jardim’s stories illustrate pickleball’s transformative power, emphasizing the sport’s role in building relationships and community.
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